Tuesday, July 3, 2018

#IWSG: Ultimate Writing Goals

Usually, this post goes up on the first Wednesday of the month, but since that is a U.S. holiday, the group decided to post today! So, YAY, it is time for The Insecure Writer's Support Group. If you've not heard of it before, check out the complete details by clicking here.

The purpose of the group is "to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!"



This month's question: What are your ultimate writing goals, and how have they changed over time (if at all)?


My answer: My ultimate writing goal is to rank on the New York Times Best Seller list. That'd be cool. Really. Cool. I have received a couple of nice orange best seller banners on Amazon. That was cool, too! And yes, I took a screen grab (see below). Next on my ultimate goal list is to receive a starred review from a major industry reviewer like Kirkus or School Library Journal. But honestly, I must say, the ONLY goal I had for my first book, Who R U Really?, was for it to help at least one person by making readers more aware of dangers online. Goal achieved. I've received multiple emails and people have told me in person that the book helped them - even saved them. Sure, I could get a starred review or make a best seller list, but will that top having a reader tell me my book changed his/her life? Probably not. 

As writers, what we do matters. Sometimes we get stuck on a negative review and forget the positive reviews. We need to remind each other that what we do makes a difference ... even if only in providing an escape for a reader from a hectic day.





5 comments:

  1. "help at least one person by making readers more aware of dangers online" is an amazing goal! And I am guessing that more than one person was helped. Heres wishing you success in your ultimate goal of hitting the NYT's bestseller list.

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  2. Congratulations on the Amazon Best Seller Banners. I bet that was a pretty sweet sight! Ah, the starred reviews. Those are nice, too. And how incredibly gratifying it must have been to hear from people who were touched/educated/changed by your books! Thanks for the post, and happy writing to you. :)

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  3. Nothing means more than being able to say, "I made a difference to someone today." That's awesome, Margo!

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  4. Good reminder, making a meaningful connection with a reader is the ultimate reward and looks like you've done that in spades. You know you've achieved something worthwhile!

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  5. That's very cool that your book has helped people - and that they've reached out to let you know. No other goal is more important than that.

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